Explore the stunning Arctic island of Spitsbergen, the massive glaciers and fjords of Greenland and the volcanic coast of Iceland.

High above the Arctic Circle lies the remarkable archipelago of islands known as Svalbard, where you will embark your expedition vessel in Longyearbyen. With three days to explore Spitsbergen, the largest island in the archipelago, you may reach as far as 81 degrees North and the Walrus sanctuary at Moffen Island, where these tusked creatures are often seen hauled out on shore or swimming in the protected waters.

Spitsbergen's west coast is spectacular. Hornsund's 14 glaciers flow into the sea and many seabirds, Bearded, and Ringed Seals are often seen here. Polar Bear sightings are also possible. The stunning Monaco and 14th of July Glaciers are both on your route and you may land at one of the world's northernmost settlements, the Arctic research station at Ny Alesund.

As you cruise south-west across the Greenland Sea you need to keep watch for seabirds, whales and the pack ice that stretches north across the Arctic Ocean to the North Pole. The coast of eastern Greenland is wild, rugged and often ice-bound providing an excellent habitat for wildlife such as Walrus and Polar Bears. Designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve, North-east Greenland National Park covers an impressive 972,000 square kilometres, making it the largest national park in the world. Up to 40% of the world's population of Musk Ox are believed to live near the Park's coastline, so sightings are highly likely. You will be able to compare cultures on visits to the remains of ancient Thule settlements and a remote modern day village. Before leaving Greenland, if the pack ice allows, we will attempt to reach the breathtaking Kaiser Franz Josef Fjord and Scoresby Sund, the world's largest fjord. Massive glaciers that calve here form the birthplace of Greenland's renowned giant icebergs.

Finally your journey takes you south-east to the volcanic Westmann Islands of Iceland, one of the world's youngest archipelagos. As recently as 1973, a new island, Surtsey, was created as a result of an eruption. The voyage onboard the Polar Pioneer will have a specific focus on climate change in the Arctic and how we as individuals can effect the environment. Your voyage concludes in Keflavik.